Experiential Learning Centre, Student Affairs

Temporary full-time from January 2, 2018 to April 30, 2019

Hiring #: 2017-0632

At the University of Guelph, our students benefit greatly from engaging directly in industries and communities where they can apply their learning in real-world contexts, develop essential employability skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues faced by employers and community organizations today.

The Experiential Learning Centre collaborates with industry and community partners in identifying experiential learning opportunities that serve as vehicles for the application of formal learning in real-world contexts, while addressing their priorities. To support and expand Experiential Learning (EL) within the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, the Experiential Learning Partnership Developer works directly with faculty in the College of Arts (COA) and liaises with industry and community organizations to sustain and broker partnerships. Co-operative Education staff responsible for employer development will provide functional direction, mentorship, and best practices in developing EL placements.

Reporting to the Manager, Co-op & Employer Partnerships, the EL Partnership Developer will work with key institutional stakeholders to embed employability skills within the COA curriculum and co-curriculum. The Developer will identify current EL initiatives with the COA, oversee an inventory of current workplaces and community partnerships, and determine partnerships that can be expanded. Ultimately responsible for developing a diverse range of high quality EL placements, in keeping with curricular and co-curricular needs, the Developer will work closely with individual faculty and liaise regularly with EL Centre staff, to establish the appropriate number and type of EL opportunities that are in line with student career pathways and skill development outcomes.

Requirements of the position include:

Undergraduate degree in a related field and several years of relevant experience in various forms of EL, particularly Co-operative Education along with marketing and job development in an academic setting; Masters degree in Education preferred.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including marketing, account development and management skills, public speaking, sales, and public relations.

Strong knowledge of experiential learning theories, research and applications in an academic setting; career counselling; work integrated learning; risk management; community engaged learning and labour market analysis.

Must also demonstrate strong knowledge of relevant job markets for students in the COA, and the ability to work well with a diverse group of clients/stakeholders (i.e. EL partners, students, COA faculty);

Knowledge of the University academic programs and procedures is an asset;

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.